Syllabus: English Language Arts, Eighth Grade, Mr. Wojtys

This year has been like no other: we have had to make changes quickly.  To meet the challenges of today, we need to smile, talk about ourselves, and ask questions.  So, to write a syllabus as I have in previous years makes no sense.  This year the syllabus will be an evolving document.

1. We need to smile.  Smiling makes me feel good, gives me confidence, and helps me work with others.  With all the challenges facing us by remote learning, we need all the above.  By smiling, we will be able to work together in class, and, since this is an English Language Arts class, we should write down our thoughts about the effects that smiling has on us.  Create a document on which you discuss the need to smile.  Keep the document ready to read from in class.  Do not submit it yet.
2. Talk about ourselves.  Like most of you, I would prefer to be in class, in person—I have been doing so since 1990.  For me reading is an every-day activity: it is like breathing.  I find that writing helps me sort out the thoughts I have from reading.  I am looking forward to reading with you a great short story by David Sedaris “Us and Them.”  Now would be the time that you wrote down what you like to read on the document you have already created for smiling.
3. Ask questions. What works for you by remotely learning?  How would you like this class to be conducted?  What can I do to help you to succeed in ELA?

Oh, yes!  The syllabus.  I almost forgot.  Please come to class and participate every day.  You will be writing every day, so start now.  I believe every student wants to succeed, and if you start right now with the right attitude, you should get the rewarding grade you want.  This is not the end of the syllabus; it is the beginning.  Good luck!